Report: AT&T Launching VoLTE May 23 in Chicago, Minneapolis

Following delays in offering the technology for both AT&T and Verizon, Engadget has word from sources familiar with the matter that Big Blue will finally get the IP-based voice calling off the ground.

AT&T declined to comment on the report. A spokesperson for the carrier reiterated AT&T’s plans to launch VoLTE some time in 2014.

The change means that voice calling in VoLTE markets will be moved from AT&T’s legacy circuit-switched networks and sent over the carrier’s packet-switched LTE. VoLTE promises clearer, richer call quality. Of course, the technology requires a compatible handset. As the report points out, AT&T’s upcoming Asus Padfone X supports VoLTE.